System including a wall switch device and a system including a power outlet device and methods for using the same

ABSTRACT

A system including a wall switch device, a system including a power outlet device, and methods for using the same are described. In one embodiment, the system includes at least one wall switch device and a wireless transceiver base. The wall switch device is fastened to a wall switch module and communicates with a network. The wireless transceiver base enables communication between the wall switch device and the network via a wireless data t

[0001] This application claims the benefit of the filing date of thefollowing Provisional U.S. Patent Application:

[0002] “Integrated PDA and Electrical Wall Plate Docket”, applicationNo. 60/222,500, filed Aug. 2, 2000.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates generally to ubiquitous computingdevices and, more particularly, to a system including a wall switchdevice and a system including a power outlet device.

BACKGROUND

[0004] Ubiquitous computing is the method of enhancing computer use bymaking computers available throughout the physical environment, butmaking them effectively invisible to the user. This may be done byincorporating unassuming computer devices within the facets of everydaylife.

[0005] Facets of everyday life may include activities involving portableelectronic devices such as personal digital assistants (PDAs) orcellular phones. These types of devices are used frequently in the homeor other areas such as an office building. Portable electronic devicessuch as PDAs and tablet-type PCs are increasingly being made availablewith wireless communication links that allow the user to access theInternet or other local connected devices. Since all of these devicesare portable, they contain batteries that must be re-chargedperiodically. PDAs and Web-pads typically include a dock or cradle thatprovides a communication hardware link to a PC and also providescharging. The cradles must be plugged into an AC outlet for the chargingfunction to occur. As these types of portable computing devicesproliferate, adding multiple cradles at various locations around afacility would provide more ubiquitous access to charging. However, theneed to plug each cradle into an AC power outlet limits the location ofthe cradles to the location of AC outlets, and increases the amount ofexposed AC wiring. For homes in particular, excess exposed AC wires areinconvenient, unsightly, and dangerous.

[0006] Therefore, what is needed is a system or method to incorporatethese portable electronic devices in locations around the home or otherbuildings that are convenient and relatively invisible to the user. Inaddition, what is needed are new devices, conveniently located around ahome or other building that serve to provide the same type of uses to auser as a PDA or computer, but are effectively invisible and convenientto the user. Finally, what is needed is a ubiquitously located devicefor recharging web-pads and PDAs without exposed AC power wires.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] A system including a wall switch device, a system including apower outlet device, and methods for using the same are described. Inone embodiment, the system includes at least one wall switch device anda wireless transceiver base. The wall switch device is fastened to awall switch module and communicates with a network. The wirelesstransceiver base enables communication between the wall switch deviceand the network via a wireless data transfer protocol.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The present invention will be understood more fully from thedetailed description given below and from the accompanying drawings ofvarious embodiments of the invention, which, however, should not betaken to limit the invention to the specific embodiments, but are forexplanation and understanding only:

[0009]FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of one embodiment of a devicedocking apparatus holding a PDA;

[0010]FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a PDA removed from a devicedocking apparatus;

[0011]FIG. 3 illustrates an isometric exploded assembly view of oneembodiment of a device docking apparatus;

[0012]FIG. 4 illustrates a rear view of one embodiment of a devicedocking apparatus;

[0013]FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of one embodiment of device dockingapparatus extending into a junction box;

[0014]FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of an alternative embodiment of adevice docking apparatus extending into a junction box;

[0015]FIG. 7 illustrates a circuit diagram of the embodiment of thedevice docking apparatus shown in FIG. 5;

[0016]FIG. 8 shows a circuit diagram of an alternative embodiment of adevice docking apparatus;

[0017]FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of one embodiment of the embodimentof the device docking apparatus of FIG. 8 including a battery;

[0018]FIG. 10 illustrates an isometric exploded assembly view of oneembodiment of a PDA;

[0019]FIG. 11 illustrates an isometric view of one embodiment of adevice docking apparatus including a PDA with an integral charge-coupleddevice (CCD);

[0020]FIG. 12 illustrates an isometric view of one embodiment of adevice docking apparatus with an integral CCD;

[0021]FIG. 13 illustrates an isometric view of one embodiment of adevice docking apparatus holding a cellular phone;

[0022]FIG. 14 illustrates an isometric view of one embodiment of adevice docking apparatus holding a display module;

[0023]FIG. 15 shows an isometric view of one embodiment of a displaymodule removed from a device docking apparatus;

[0024]FIG. 16 illustrates an isometric view of an alternative embodimentof a device docking apparatus fastened to a power outlet module;

[0025]FIG. 17 illustrates an exploded view of an alternative embodimentof a device docking apparatus fastened over a power outlet module;

[0026]FIG. 18 illustrates an isometric view of one embodiment of a wallswitch device with an integral LCD, softkeys, and CCD with lens;

[0027]FIG. 19 illustrates a block schematic diagram of one embodiment ofa functional system for the wall switch device shown in FIG. 18;

[0028]FIG. 20 illustrates an isometric view of one embodiment of a poweroutlet device with an integral LCD, softkeys, and CCD with lens;

[0029]FIG. 21 illustrates a functional block diagram of one embodimentof a system of wall switch devices and a wireless transceiver base;

[0030]FIG. 22 a functional block diagram of one embodiment of a systemof wall switch devices communicating via data signals that aresuperimposed on AC power wires;

[0031]FIG. 23 illustrates a flow diagram of one embodiment of a processof using a device docking apparatus; and

[0032]FIG. 24 illustrates a flow diagram of an alternative embodiment ofa process of using a system including a wall switch device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] A system including a wall switch device, a system including apower outlet device, and methods for using the same are described. Inthe following description, for purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, toone skilled in the art that the present invention can be practicedwithout these specific details. In other instances, well-knownstructures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoidobscuring the present invention.

[0034] A set of definitions is provided below to clarify the presentinvention.

Definitions

[0035] A PDA is a Personal Digital Assistant, a class of personalcomputer devices that are typically small enough to be carriedconveniently by a person. A PDA typically has a liquid crystal display(LCD) that allows the user to write on it with a stylus, or otherwisecontrol and manipulate the software and stored content on the PDA. Whenused in the home, and incorporating a connection to the worldwide web,PDAs are often referred to as webpads.

[0036] A network is one or more computer devices or electronic devicesof any type, such as, for example, but not limited to a personalcomputer (PC), network appliance, or PDA, connected together by a datatransfer link. A PDA that has a communication link to the Internet isoften referred to as a node. A node (point of interaction with theInternet) on the network can potentially communicate with (i.e. can sendor receive data to) any other node (electronic device) on the network.Network physical layers may be wired or they may be wireless.

[0037] The Internet is used interchangeably with the term web orworldwide web. Both of these are defined as the worldwide network ofPCs, servers, and other devices.

[0038] A network appliance is defined as a standalone computer devicethat is a single-purpose device, as opposed to a PC, which can runsoftware to perform a wide variety of tasks. A network appliancetypically has a minimal user interface that allows the user to perform amore specific set of tasks.

[0039] A CCD (charged coupled device) is a semiconductor technology usedto build electronic image capturing devices such as cameras. Each CCDchip consists of an array of light sensitive photocells that, inconjunction with a lens and a microprocessor and memory, can be used tocapture both still shots and moving pictures.

Overview

[0040] The present invention includes a system having a wall switchdevice and a system having a power outlet device. In one embodiment, thewall switch device fastens to a light switch module on a wall. In analternative embodiment, the power outlet device fastens to a poweroutlet module.

[0041] In one embodiment, a wall switch device is fastened to a wallswitch module and communicates with a network. In one embodiment, thewall switch device includes a wireless transceiver. A wirelesstransceiver base enables communication between the wall switch deviceand the network via a wireless data transfer protocol. In an alternativeembodiment, the wall switch device is coupled to power wires. The powerwires enable communication between the wall switch device and thenetwork. The wall switch device includes a data transceiver to receiveand transfer data via the power wires to the network.

[0042] In one embodiment, a power outlet device is fastened to a poweroutlet module and communicates with a network. In one embodiment, thepower outlet device includes a wireless transceiver. A wirelesstransceiver base enables communication between the power outlet deviceand the network via a wireless data transfer protocol. In an alternativeembodiment, the power outlet device is coupled to power wires. The powerwires enable communication between the power outlet device and thenetwork. The power outlet device includes a data transceiver to receiveand transfer data via the power wires to the network.

Device Docking Apparatus

[0043]FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of one embodiment of a devicedocking apparatus 100 holding a PDA 150. In alternative embodiments, thedevice docking apparatus 100 may be holding other types of portableelectronic devices. The wall switch plate 110 includes a receptacle 120that holds a portable electronic device. In FIG. 1, the receptacle 120is a PDA dock that securely retains the PDA 150 on a wall 140. In oneembodiment, the PDA 150 has an LCD 155 and a stylus 160. In otherembodiments, the PDA 150 may include other features.

[0044] In one embodiment, the portable electronic device in the devicedocking apparatus may be removable from the device docking apparatus asseen in FIG. 2. In an alternative embodiment, a component may beintegral to the device docking apparatus.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 1, the wall switch plate 110 can be retrofittedto any existing light switch electrical junction box. In one embodiment,the wall switch plate 110 may be made so that the device dockingapparatus 100 fastens to only one light switch 145. In an alternativeembodiment, the wall switch plate 110 may be made to fasten to more thanone light switch 145 as shown in FIG. 1.

[0046] In one embodiment, the docking device apparatus 100 attaches to alight switch junction box by a conventional screwing system. Wall switchplate crews 130 attach the wall switch plate 110 to the junction box(not shown), which exists in the wall 140.

[0047]FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a PDA 240 removed from adevice docking apparatus 200. The device docking apparatus 200 isfastened to two light switches 250. The device docking apparatus 200includes a wall switch plate 210 and a PDA dock 220. The PDA 240 andstylus 260 are removed from the device docking apparatus 200 to showelectrical contacts 230 on the device docking apparatus 200 thatcorrespond to electrical contacts 230 (not shown) on the PDA 240.

[0048]FIG. 3 illustrates an isometric exploded assembly view of oneembodiment of a device docking apparatus 300. The device dockingapparatus 300 is fastened to light switch modules 340. The devicedocking apparatus 300 includes a wall switch plate 310, a PDA dock 320,and a control charging module 330. In one embodiment, the controlcharging module 330 includes a printed circuit board 332, integratedcircuits 336, and electrical contacts 334. The control charging modulemay include other electrical components. Further detail is shown in FIG.4.

[0049]FIG. 4 illustrates a rear view of one embodiment of a devicedocking apparatus 400. The device docking apparatus 400 is fastened tolight switch modules. The device docking apparatus 400 includes a wallswitch plate 410, a PDA dock 420, and a control charging module 430. Thecontrol charging module 430 includes electrical contacts 432 whichcontact corresponding electrical contacts 442 on the PDA 440 when thePDA 440 is placed all the way into the PDA dock 420. In one embodiment,gravity will suffice to make the electrical contacts 432 and 442functionally connect.

[0050]FIG. 4 also shows that the control charging module 430 includes anAC power input 434 from an AC power wire 450 that extends from thejunction box and is connected to the light switch modules 410. Thus, thecontrol charging module 430 is supplied with power from the AC powerwire 450. In one embodiment, the control charging module 430 modifiesthe power from AC to DC that is acceptable (battery charging powerlevels) for the PDAs 440 located in device docking apparatus 400. Inalternative embodiment, other additional components may extend into thewall cavity behind the switch plate 410 as is depicted in the embodimentshown in FIG. 5.

[0051]FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of one embodiment of device dockingapparatus 500 extending into a junction box 530. The device dockingapparatus 500 is fastened to a light switch module 520 on a wall 510. ACpower wires 540 are fed into a junction box 530 in the wall cavity andpower the device docking apparatus 500. AC junction boxes 530 may bewired in one of two configurations, with both power and neutral wiresentering and accessible at the junction box 530 with a switch in betweenthe power and neutral wires. In FIG. 5, a switch is between the powerand neutral wires.

[0052]FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of an alternative embodiment of adevice docking apparatus 600 extending into a junction box 630. Thedevice docking apparatus 600 is fastened to a light switch module 620 ona wall 610. AC power wires 640 are fed into the junction box 630 in thewall cavity and power the device docking apparatus 600. In FIG. 6, acontrol charging module 605 may be located physically toward the rear ofthe junction box 630, and functionally connected to a wall switch plateby a ribbon cable 650. This type of arrangement may be used in instanceswhere there is not enough space for the control charging module 605 toexist between the light switch modules 620.

[0053]FIG. 7 illustrates a circuit diagram of the embodiment of thedevice docking apparatus 700 shown in FIG. 5. Power taps 735 from 120volts (V) power 730 and neutral taps 745 from neutral 740 are connectedto the control charging module 760 and light bulb 750 in the lightjunction box 710. The charging system includes a power conversionfunction using an AC rectifier circuit and a linear power supply device.AC power conversion such as this is known in the field of electronicproduct design.

[0054]FIG. 8 shows a circuit diagram of an alternative embodiment of adevice docking apparatus 800. In FIG. 8, only the power 830 side of thecircuit enters and is accessible at the junction box 810 to power alight bulb 850. Accordingly, a different method is required to charge orotherwise power an electronic device.

[0055] To power the device docking apparatus 800, a system is usedwhereby a small amount of current is allowed to flow through low-powerconversion circuit, and power is derived from this current flow. Thus asmall amount of current is allowed to flow through the light circuit.However, the current is so small that the light filament is emittinglittle or no visible light. Because the current must be kept smallenough to keep the light bulb 850 filament from emitting light when theswitch 820 is off, this system also includes a battery 870 that isconstantly trickle charged.

[0056]FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of one embodiment of the embodimentof the device docking apparatus 900 of FIG. 8 including a battery 950.As seen in FIG. 9, the battery 950 is installed in the junction box 930and provides substantial power for electronic devices docked in a devicedocking apparatus 900 at the wall 910. The device docking apparatus 900is fastened to a light switch module 920 on the wall 910. AC power wires940 are fed into a junction box 930 in the wall cavity and power thedevice docking apparatus 900 via the control charging module 905.

[0057]FIG. 10 illustrates an isometric exploded assembly view of oneembodiment of a PDA 1000. The PDA 1000 shown here is similar to PDAsthat currently exist on the market as standalone PDA devices. The sizeof the PDA 1000 is that which can be conveniently and easily hand held.The construction is of a typical two-piece plastic shell constructionincluding a PDA front housing 1010 and a PDA rear housing 1040. The PDA1000 includes an LCD 1020 that contains an integral backlight so thatthe display may be read in low light. In one embodiment, the PDA mayalso include control buttons 1015 to operate the PDA 1000. There mayalso be a printed circuit board 1030 that contains the electroniccomponents, including the microprocessor, that constitute the functionaldata-manipulating aspect of the PDA 1000. Memory chips are included onthe printed circuit board 1030. In one embodiment, the PDA 1000 alsoincludes a wireless transceiver integrated circuit 1032 and an antenna1034. The PDA 1000 also includes electrical contacts 1042 and/orbatteries 1044 to power the PDA 1000.

[0058]FIG. 10 shows that the antenna is located internal to the PDA1000, mounted to the printed circuit board. In one embodiment, thewireless system that may be used in the PDA 1000 is an IEEE 802.1 lbsystem, manufactured by Intersil, Incorporated. In alternativeembodiments, other wireless communication protocols such as Bluetooth™may be used.

[0059] Batteries 1044 are also shown in FIG. 10 so that the PDA 1000 mayoperate when removed from a device docking apparatus. The entireassembly may be held together with threaded fasteners or any type ofcommonly used fastening system, including plastic snap-fits.

[0060]FIG. 11 illustrates an isometric view of one embodiment of adevice docking apparatus 1100 including a PDA 1060 with an integralcharge-coupled device (CCD) 1164. The device docking apparatus 1100 isfastened using switch plate screws 1130 to a light switch 1150 on a wall1140. The device docking apparatus 1100 includes a wall switch plate1110 and a receptacle 1120 in the form of a PDA dock. A PDA 1160 isshown with an LCD 1162, a stylus 1170, and a CCD 1164 with a lens. A CCD1164 is a semiconductor that is used to make a digital camera that iscapable of taking still shots or moving pictures. In one embodiment,there is circuitry and other integrated circuits in the PDA 1100 on theprinted circuit board that combine to form a subsystem for capturing andtransmitting digital images via a wireless communication link betweenthe PDA 1100 and a home server or the Internet. In one embodiment, thePDAs 1100 also include optional CCD camera plug-on adapters. One exampleof a PDA is the Palm Pilot, manufactured by Palm Computing. Anotherexample of a PDA is Visor, manufactured by Handspring. Both the PalmPilot and Visor offer such optional CCD camera plug-on adapters.

[0061]FIG. 12 illustrates an isometric view of one embodiment of adevice -docking apparatus 1200 with an integral CCD 1250. The devicedocking apparatus 1200 is similar to those shown in the previous figuresand is fastened using wall switch plate screws 1240 to light switchmodules 1270 on a wall 1260. The device docking apparatus 1200 includesa wall switch plate 1210 and a receptacle in the form of a PDA dock1220. Electrical contacts 1230 may also be seen to contact correspondingelectrical contacts on a portable electronic device. All the necessarycircuitry for capturing and transmitting digital images is included onthe control charging module (not shown). In one example, a remote usermay able to access the output of the camera function at a device dockingapparatus 1200 in their home regardless of whether or not the PDA isdocked with the wall switch plate 1210.

[0062]FIG. 13 illustrates an isometric view of one embodiment of adevice docking apparatus 1300 holding a cellular phone 1360. The devicedocking apparatus 1300 is fastened using wall switch plate screws 1330to light switch modules 1350 on a wall 1340. The device dockingapparatus 1300 includes a wall switch plate 1310 and a receptacle 1320that holds the cellular phone 1360. The cellular phone 1360 includes anLCD 1362 and buttons 1364. Docking the cellular phone 1360 in the devicedocking apparatus 1300 allows the cellular phone 1360 to be convenientlystored and charged using the power supplied to the light switches 1350.

[0063]FIG. 14 illustrates an isometric view of one embodiment of adevice docking apparatus 1400 holding a display module 1450. The displaymodule 1450 is similar to a PDA but with a larger LCD 1452. In oneembodiment, the display module 1450 may be removable from the devicedocking apparatus 1400 as seen in FIG. 15. In an alternative embodiment,the display module 1450 may be a component that is integral to thedevice docking apparatus 1400.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 14, the display module 1450 is docked in thedevice docking apparatus 1400, which is fastened using wall switch platescrews 1430 over light switches 1445 on a wall 1440. The device dockingapparatus 1400 includes a wall switch plate 1410 and receptacle 1420that holds the display module 1450. The display module 1450 includesbuttons 1454 that are placed vertically along the right side of the LCD1452. In this configuration, with the buttons 1454 close to the LCD1452, each button 1454 can be labeled with text on the LCD 1452 near acorresponding button. In one embodiment, the display module 1450 mayalso have a stylus that can be stored in the display module 1450housing.

[0065]FIG. 14 shows how, in one embodiment, each button 1454 might belabeled with a relevant item of content. For example, when a button 1454corresponding to a softkey label is pressed, information of the typedesignated by the softkey label is presented to a user on the LCD 1452.

[0066]FIG. 15 shows an isometric view of a display module 1530 removedfrom a device docking apparatus 1500. FIG. 15 is similar to theembodiment shown in FIG. 14. The device docking apparatus 1500 includesa wall switch plate 1510 and a receptacle in the form of a displaymodule dock 1520. The display module 1530 has a contact plate 1536 thatfits into the display module dock 1520 so that the display module 1530is docked in the device docking apparatus 1500.

[0067]FIG. 16 illustrates an isometric view of an alternative embodimentof a device docking apparatus 1600 fastened to a power outlet module1660. The device docking apparatus is fastened to the power outletmodule 1660 on a wall 1650 using power outlet plate screws 1630. Thedevice docking apparatus 1600 in FIG. 16 functions in the same manner asthe device docking apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 by facilitating thecharging, storage and operation of a docked portable electronic device.A device docking apparatus 1600 of this type may be used in places wherepower outlets are conveniently located, such as above a dresser orkitchen counter. The device docking apparatus 1600 includes a poweroutlet plate 1610, a receptacle in the form of a PDA dock 1620, andelectrical contacts 1640 that would correspond to electrical contacts ona PDA.

[0068] In one embodiment, the portable electronic device may beremovable from the device docking apparatus 1600. In an alternativeembodiment, the portable electronic device may be a component that isintegral to the device docking apparatus 1600.

[0069]FIG. 17 illustrates an exploded view of one embodiment of a devicedocking apparatus 1700 fastened to a power outlet module 1740 includingelectrical contact screws 1742. The device docking apparatus 1700includes a power outlet plate 1710, a PDA dock 1720, and a controlcharging module 1730. The control charging module 1730 includes aprinted circuit board with integrated circuits and other electroniccomponents, 1732 and electrical contacts 1734. The control chargingmodule 1730 is similar to the one used in the embodiment shown in FIG.3, except that the printed circuit board is designed to accommodate thedifferent geometry of the power outlet module 1740 rather than a lightswitch module.

Wall Switch Device

[0070]FIG. 18 illustrates an isometric view of one embodiment of a wallswitch device 1800 with an integral LCD 1820, softkeys 1830, and CCDwith lens 1840. The wall switch device 1800 includes a wall switch plate1810 that is fastened to light switches 1870 on a wall 1860 with wallswitch plate screws 1850. In FIG. 18, the wall switch device 1800 doesnot act as a charging dock for other portable electronic devices.Rather, the wall switch device 1800 is used as a point of contact with anetwork of other wall switch devices 1800 or a network such as theInternet. Information is displayed on the LCD 1820 and manipulated withsoftkeys 1830 located near the LCD 1820. All the necessary circuitry formanipulation and control of the LCD 1820, softkeys 1830, and CCD 1840are included on the control charging module (not shown).

[0071]FIG. 19 illustrates a block schematic diagram of one embodiment ofa functional system 1900 for the wall switch device 1800 shown in FIG.18. In one embodiment, a control charging module (not shown) in the wallswitch device 1900 may include any of the following integrated hardware:transformer and AC/DC power conversion 1920, processor 1940, memory1910, input devices (softkeys) 1930, display driver/display 1970, CCD1950, and network interface card (NIC) 1960.

[0072] While FIGS. 18 and 19 show an example that includes both the LCDand CCD, an alternate embodiment may include a wall switch device withonly an LCD, or only a CCD with lens.

Power Outlet Device

[0073]FIG. 20 illustrates an isometric view of one embodiment of a poweroutlet device 2000 with an integral LCD 2020, softkeys 2030, and CCDwith lens 2040. The power outlet device 2000 is similar to the wallswitch device 1800 shown in FIG. 18 except the power outlet device 2000includes a power outlet plate 2010 that is fastened to a power outletmodule 2070 on a wall 2060 using power outlet plate screws 2050.Accordingly, the power outlet device 2000 may be used both as a poweroutlet and as a point of contact with a network of other power outletdevices, or other types of devices, and/or with a network such as theInternet.

[0074] Although FIG. 20 shows an embodiment that includes both the LCDand CCD incorporated in a power outlet device, an alternate embodimentmay only include a LCD, or only a CCD with lens.

System of Wall Switch Devices

[0075]FIG. 21 illustrates a functional block diagram of one embodimentof a system 2100 of wall switch devices 2120, 2130, 2140, 2150, 2160,and 2170 and a wireless transceiver base 2110. In one embodiment, wallswitch devices 2120, 2130, 2140,2150, 2160, and 2170 are located inrooms around any building, such as a house, at the light switch locationnear the entry doorway to the room.

[0076] In one embodiment, the wall switch devices 2120, 2130, 2140,2150, 2160, and 2170 are similar to that shown in FIG. 18 with anintegrated LCD, softkeys, and CCD with lens. In an alternativeembodiment, a device docking apparatus such as one illustrated in FIG. 1may be used in the system described above.

[0077] A control charging module (not shown) in each wall switch device2120, 2130, 2140, 2150, 2160, and 2170 is connected to the AC powerwires 2118 that run to that respective junction box. In one embodiment,the control charging module for the embodiment shown in FIG. 21 may bein a device docking apparatus 100 as shown in FIG. 1 and only have thepurpose of charging batteries in a portable electronic device docked inthe device docking apparatus from the line power. As discussed above thepower must be converted from AC to DC, with the correct current andvoltage supplied.

[0078]FIG. 21 shows that there is communication between each wall switchdevice, via a wireless data transfer protocol, and communication toeither a local home server 2112, and/or via a gateway 2112 to a serverlocated external to the home anywhere on the Internet 2116 via anInternet connection 2114. Each wall switch device also includes awireless local area network (LAN) transceiver functionally connected tothe control charging module. The Internet connection 2114 may bedial-up, cable, or DSL. Regardless of where the actual data destinationis away from the wall switch devices 2120, 2130, 2140, 2150, 2160, and2170, the data is transferred first to the wireless transceiver base2110 in the vicinity of the wall switch devices 2120, 2130, 2140, 2150,2160, and 2170.

[0079] The wireless transceiver base 2110 communicates to each wallswitch device 2120, 2130, 2140, 2150, 2160, and 2170 via a wireless datatransfer protocol. In one embodiment, the wireless data transferprotocol that is used for local area communications is a system based onthe IEEE 802.11b wireless communication standard. A wireless hub systemsuch as an 802.11b system has a range of approximately 150 feet so itwould be able to reach wall switch devices in a typical house. Thisarchitecture allows access to information the home server and/or theInternet via each wall switch device. In an alternative embodiment, thewireless transfer protocol may be Bluetooth™. Wireless LAN systems suchas IEEE 802.11b are able to function in ad-hoc mode, where there is nocentral hub. Each switch device is a node on the network and cancommunicate with any other switch device within range of theradio-frequency field. Therefore, switch devices may be added at greaterdistances as long as each device is in communication contact with atleast one other wireless LAN device.

[0080] In an alternative embodiment, there may also be communicationbetween each portable electronic device docked or not docked in wallswitch devices 2120, 2130, 2140, 2150, 2160, and 2170, via the wirelesstransceiver base 2110 in addition to communication to either the localhome server 2112, and/or via a gateway 2112 to a server located externalto the home anywhere on the Internet 2114. Regardless of where theactual data destination is away from the portable electronic devices,the data is transferred first to the wireless transceiver base in thevicinity of the portable electronic devices.

[0081] In one embodiment, the wireless system provides a discreteidentifier or ID, for each of the wall switch devices 2120, 2130, 2140,2150, 2160, and 2170. With this system, the source of the informationthat is entered or modified on a wall switch device 2120, 2130, 2140,2150, 2160, and 2170 may be tracked by other wall switch device 2120,2130, 2140, 2150, 2160, and 2170 or by the home server 2112. Anorganizing software application is used to associate a user defined nameto each wall switch device, in addition to the discrete class C networkIP address such as a 192.168.1.X address specified for use in dynamichost configuration protocol (DHCP) systems. For example, one switchdevice has a class C IP address but is also referred to as “masterbedroom” switch device.

[0082]FIG. 21 is an illustration of a system including wall switchdevices. However, in alternative embodiments of systems discussed abovewith reference to FIG. 21, power outlet devices or device dockingapparatus that fasten to power outlet modules may be used instead ofwall switch devices and device docking apparatus that fasten to wallswitch modules.

[0083]FIG. 22 a functional block diagram of one embodiment of a systemof wall switch devices 2230, 2240, 2250, 2260, 2270, and 2280communicating via data signals 2222 that are superimposed on AC powerwires 2220. Intellon, Inc. is a provider of integrated circuits forsending and receiving data over AC power lines. The system 2200 shown inFIG. 22 shows the information transfer between the wall switch devices2230, 2240, 2250, 2260, 2270, and 2280. As in the system 2000 shown inFIG. 20, there are wall switch devices 2230, 2240, 2250, 2260, 2270, and2280 located at various points around a building, such as a house. Eachwall switch device 2230, 2240, 2250, 2260, 2270, and 2280 is connectedto the power system wiring 2220 at each junction box. However, in thesystem shown in FIG. 22, the control charging module of each wall switchdevice 2230, 2240, 2250, 2260, 2270, and 2280 must also include a LANdata transceiver (not shown) because the transfer of data between thewall switch devices 2230, 2240, 2250, 2260, 2270, and 2280 uses thepower wiring 2220 as the medium, with data signals 2222 superimposed onthe AC fluctuation but at a much higher frequency.

[0084] The data transceiver filters out the low frequency AC voltage,demodulates and otherwise digitally processes the data signal, andtransfers the information superimposed on the AC wiring to the wallswitch devices 2230, 2240, 2250, 2260, 2270, and 2280. It also isolatesthe wall switch device electrical system from the high voltage homewiring system.

[0085] In one embodiment, there may also be a wireless transceiver base2210 to allow communication between each wall switch device 2230, 2240,2250, 2260, 2270, and 2280 and a local home server 2214, and/or agateway to a server 2214 located external to the home anywhere on theInternet via an Internet connection 2212. The Internet connection 2212may be dial-up, cable, or DSL. This type of communication requires awireless data transfer protocol. Regardless of where the actual datadestination is away from the wall switch devices 2230, 2240, 2250, 2260,2270, and 2280, the data is transferred first to the wirelesstransceiver base 2210 in the vicinity of the wall switch devices 2230,2240, 2250, 2260, 2270, and 2280.

[0086] The wireless transceiver base 2210 communicates with each wallswitch device 2230, 2240, 2250, 2260, 2270, and 2280 via the wirelessdata transfer protocol. In one embodiment, the wireless data transferprotocol that is used for local area communications is a system based onthe IEEE 802.11b wireless communication standard. A wireless hub systemsuch as an 802.11b system has a range of approximately 150 feet so itwould be able to reach wall switch devices in a typical house. Thisarchitecture allows access to information the home server 2214 and/orthe Internet via each wall switch device 2230, 2240, 2250, 2260, 2270,and 2280. In an alternative embodiment, the wireless communicationprotocol may be Bluetooth™.

[0087] In an alternative embodiment, there may also be communicationbetween each portable electronic device docked or not docked in wallswitch devices 2230, 2240, 2250, 2260, 2270, and 2280. For this type ofcommunication, the system 2200 of FIG. 2200 may use device dockingapparatus as shown and described in FIG. 1. In one embodiment, theportable electronic devices may communicate by sending data packets 2222using the AC power wires 2220 as the medium. Accordingly, the portableelectronic devices must be docked in the device docking apparatus inorder to communicate with other portable electronic devices also dockedin various device docking apparatus. In an alternative embodiment, theportable electronic devices may communicate with one another and thelocal home server 2214 via the wireless transceiver base 2210 evenwithout being docked in any device docking apparatus. In addition, theportable electronic devices may communicate with a server 2214 locatedexternal to the home anywhere on the Internet via a gateway. Regardlessof where the actual data destination is away from the portableelectronic devices, in the latter described embodiment, the data istransferred first to the wireless transceiver base 2210 in the vicinityof the portable electronic devices.

[0088] In one embodiment, the wireless system provides a discreteidentifier or ID, for each of the wall switch devices 2230, 2240, 2250,2260, 2270, and 2280. With this system, the source of the informationthat is entered or modified on a wall switch device 2230, 2240, 2250,2260, 2270, and 2280 may be tracked by another wall switch device 2230,2240, 2250, 2260, 2270, and 2280 or the server 2214.

[0089]FIG. 22 is an illustration of a system including wall switchdevices. However, in alternative embodiments of systems discussed abovewith reference to FIG. 22, power outlet devices or device dockingapparatus that fasten to power outlet modules may be used instead ofwall switch devices and device docking apparatus that fasten to wallswitch modules.

[0090]FIG. 23 illustrates a flow diagram of one embodiment of a process2300 of using a device docking apparatus. At processing block 2310 it isdetermined if power is to be supplied from a wall switch module.

[0091] If yes, then the process moves to processing block 2330. Atprocessing block 2330, a portable electronic device is placed in areceptacle of the device docking apparatus. The device docking apparatusis fastened to a light module on a wall.

[0092] At processing block 2332, power is supplied to the portableelectronic device docked in the device docking apparatus via taps frompower wires connected to the light switch module. At processing block2334, data is received from a network through the power wires to thedevice docking apparatus via a data transceiver on the device dockingapparatus. At processing block 2336, the data is transferred to theportable electronic device when the portable electronic device is dockedin the device docking apparatus. At processing block 2340, data istransferred from the portable electronic device to the device dockingapparatus when the portable electronic device is docked in the devicedocking apparatus. At processing block 2342, data is sent from thedevice docking apparatus to the network through the power wires.

[0093] Referring back to processing block 2310, if no, the process movesto processing block 2320 where it is determined if power is to besupplied from a power outlet module. If no, the process moves back toprocessing block 2310.

[0094] If yes, the process moves to processing block 2344. A portableelectronic device is placed in a receptacle of the device dockingapparatus. The device docking apparatus is fastened to a power outletmodule. At processing block 2346, power is supplied to the portableelectronic device docked in the device docking apparatus via a tap frompower wires connected to the power outlet module. At processing block2348, data is received from a network through the power wires to thedevice docking apparatus via a data transceiver on the device dockingapparatus. At processing block 2350, the data is transferred to theportable electronic device when the portable electronic device is dockedin the device docking apparatus. At processing block 2352, data istransferred from the portable electronic device to the device dockingapparatus when the portable electronic device is docked in the devicedocking apparatus. At processing block 2354, data is sent from thedevice docking apparatus to the network through the power wires.

[0095]FIG. 24 illustrates a flow diagram of an alternative embodiment ofa process 2400 of using a system including a wall switch device. Atprocessing block 2410, data is received from a network through powerwires connected to a power input. The power input is coupled to a wallswitch device fastened to a light switch module on a wall. The wallswitch device receives the data via a data transceiver on the wallswitch device. At processing block 2420, the data is communicated backto the network. At processing block 2430, data is communicated betweenthe wall switch device and the network via a wireless transfer protocolusing a transceiver base. At processing block 2440, data is communicatedbetween a server and the wall switch device using the wirelesstransceiver base. At processing block 2450, data is communicated betweenthe server and the wall switch device using a gateway connected to theserver and the wireless transceiver base.

[0096] At processing block 2460, the wall switch device is identified byhaving an identifier on the wall switch device. At processing block2470, information is displayed on a display integral to the wall switchdevice. At processing block 2480, information is inputted via a userinterface on the display module of the wall switch device. At processingblock 2490, digital images are captured via a charge-coupled device andlens integral to the wall switch device. At processing block 2495,digital images are received and transmitted using the wireless transferprotocol. FIG. 24 shows an embodiment of a process with wall switchdevices. However, in an alternative embodiment, a similar process mayuse power outlet devices.

[0097] A system including a wall switch device, a system including apower outlet device, and methods for using the same have been described.Although the present invention is described herein with reference tospecific embodiments, many modifications and variations therein willreadily occur to those with ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, allsuch variations and modifications are included within the intended scopeof the present invention as defined by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: at least one wall switchdevice fastened to a wall switch module and communicating with anetwork; and a wireless transceiver base to enable communication betweenthe wall switch device and the network via a wireless data transferprotocol.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein the network includes otherwall switch devices.
 3. The system of claim 1 wherein the networkincludes Internet.
 4. The system of claim 1 further comprising a serverthat communicates with the wall switch device using the wirelesstransceiver base.
 5. The system of claim 4 further comprising a gatewaythat is connected to the server and allows communication between thewall switch device and the server using the wireless transceiver base.6. The system of claim 1 wherein the wireless data transfer protocol isIEEE 802.11b wireless communication standard.
 7. The system of claim 1wherein the wall switch device includes an identifier.
 8. The system ofclaim 1 wherein the wall switch device includes a display.
 9. The systemof claim 1 wherein the wall switch device includes a user interface. 10.The system of claim 1 wherein the wall switch device further comprises:a charge-coupled device; a lens; and a logic to allow the wall switchdevice capture and transmit digital images via the wirelesscommunication protocol.
 11. The system of claim 10 wherein the wallswitch device also includes a charge-coupled device plug on adapter. 12.The system of claim 1 wherein the wall switch device includes areceptacle to hold a portable electronic device.
 13. The system of claim12 wherein the portable electronic device is a personal digitalassistant.
 14. A system comprising: at least one wall switch devicefastened to a wall switch module and communicating with a network; and apower input coupled to the wall switch device, the power input connectedto power wires, the power wires enabling communication between the wallswitch device and the network, the wall switch device including a datatransceiver to receive and transfer data via the power wires to thenetwork.
 15. The system of claim 14 wherein the network includes otherwall switch devices.
 16. The system of claim 14 wherein the networkincludes Internet.
 17. The system of claim 14 further comprising awireless transceiver base to enable communication between the wallswitch device and the network via a wireless data transfer protocol. 18.The system of claim 17 further comprising a server that communicateswith the wall switch device using the wireless transceiver base.
 19. Thesystem of claim 18 further comprising a gateway that is connected to theserver and allows communication between the wall switch device and theserver using the wireless transceiver base.
 20. The system of claim 17wherein the wireless data transfer protocol is IEEE 802.11b wirelesscommunication standard.
 21. The system of claim 17 wherein the wirelessdata transfer protocol is Bluetooth™.
 22. The system of claim 14 whereinthe wall switch device includes an identifier.
 23. The system of claim14 wherein the wall switch device includes a display.
 24. The system ofclaim 14 wherein the wall switch device includes a user interface. 25.The system of claim 17 wherein the wall switch device further comprises:a charge-coupled device; a lens; and a logic to allow the wall switchdevice capture and transmit digital images via the wirelesscommunication protocol.
 26. The system of claim 25 wherein the wallswitch device also includes a charge-coupled device plug on adapter. 27.The system of claim 14 wherein the wall switch device includes areceptacle to hold a portable electronic device.
 28. The system of claim27 wherein the portable electronic device is a personal digitalassistant.
 29. A system comprising: at least one power outlet devicefastened to a power outlet module and communicating with a network; anda wireless transceiver base to enable communication between the poweroutlet device and the network via a wireless data transfer protocol. 30.The system of claim 29 wherein the network includes other power outletdevices.
 31. The system of claim 30 wherein the network includesInternet.
 32. The system of claim 29 further comprising a server thatcommunicates with the power outlet device using the wireless transceiverbase.
 33. The system of claim 32 further comprising a gateway that isconnected to the server and allows communication between the poweroutlet device and the server using the wireless transceiver base. 34.The system of claim 29 wherein the wireless data transfer protocol isIEEE 802.11b wireless communication standard.
 35. The system of claim 29wherein the wireless data transfer protocol is Bluetooth™.
 36. Thesystem of claim 29 wherein the power outlet device includes anidentifier.
 37. The system of claim 29 wherein the power outlet deviceincludes a display.
 38. The system of claim 29 wherein the power outletdevice includes a user interface.
 39. The system of claim 29 wherein thepower outlet device further comprises: a charge-coupled device; a lens;and a logic to allow the power outlet device capture and transmitdigital images via the wireless communication protocol.
 40. The systemof claim 39 wherein the power outlet device also includes acharge-coupled device plug on adapter.
 41. The system of claim 29wherein the power outlet device includes a receptacle to hold a portableelectronic device.
 42. The system of claim 41 wherein the portableelectronic device is a personal digital assistant.
 43. A systemcomprising: at least one power outlet device fastened over a poweroutlet module and communicating with a network; and a power inputcoupled to the power outlet device, the power input connected to powerwires, the power wires enabling communication between the power outletdevice and the network, each power outlet device including a datatransceiver to receive and transfer data via the power wires to thenetwork.
 44. The system of claim 43 wherein the network includes otherpower outlet devices.
 45. The system of claim 43 wherein the networkincludes Internet.
 46. The system of claim 43 further comprising awireless transceiver base to enable communication between the poweroutlet device and the network via a wireless data transfer protocol. 47.The system of claim 46 further comprising a server that communicateswith the power outlet device using the wireless transceiver base. 48.The system of claim 47 further comprising a gateway that is connected tothe server and allows communication between the power outlet device andthe server using the wireless transceiver base.
 49. The system of claim46 wherein the wireless data transfer protocol is IEEE 802.11b wirelesscommunication standard.
 50. The system of claim 46 wherein the wirelessdata transfer protocol is Bluetooth™.
 51. The system of claim 43 whereinthe power outlet device includes an identifier.
 52. The system of claim43 wherein the power outlet device includes a display.
 53. The system ofclaim 43 wherein the power outlet device includes a user interface. 54.The system of claim 46 wherein the power outlet device furthercomprises: a charge-coupled device; a lens; and a logic to allow thepower outlet device capture and transmit digital images via the wirelesscommunication protocol.
 55. The system of claim 54 wherein the poweroutlet device also includes a charge-coupled device plug on adapter. 56.The system of claim 43 wherein the power outlet device includes areceptacle to hold a portable electronic device.
 57. The system of claim56 wherein the portable electronic device is a personal digitalassistant.
 58. A method comprising: receiving data from a networkthrough power wires connected to a power input, the power input coupledto a wall switch device fastened to a light switch module on a wall, thewall switch device receiving the data via a data transceiver on the wallswitch device; and communicating data back to the network.
 59. Themethod of claim 58 wherein the network includes other wall switchdevices.
 60. The method of claim 58 wherein the network is Internet. 61.The method of claim 58 further comprising communicating data between thewall switch device and the network via a wireless transfer protocolusing a wireless transceiver base.
 62. The method of claim 61 furthercomprising communicating data between a server and the wall switchdevice using the wireless transceiver base.
 63. The method of claim 62further comprising communicating data between the server and the wallswitch device using a gateway connected to the server and the wirelesstransceiver base.
 64. The method of claim 61 wherein the wireless datatransfer protocol is IEEE 802.11b wireless communication standard. 65.The method of claim 61 wherein the wireless data transfer protocol isBluetooth™.
 66. The method of claim 58 further comprising identifyingthe wall switch device by having an identifier on the wall switchdevice.
 67. The method of claim 58 further comprising displayinginformation on a display integral to the wall switch device.
 68. Themethod of claim 67 further comprising inputting information via a userinterface on the display of the wall switch device.
 69. The method ofclaim 61 further comprising: capturing digital images via acharge-coupled device and lens integral to the wall switch device; andreceiving and transmitting digital images using a logic and the wirelesstransfer protocol.
 70. The method of claim 58 further comprising dockinga portable electronic device in a receptacle on the wall switch device.71. The method of claim 70 wherein the portable electronic device is apersonal digital assistant.
 72. A method comprising: receiving data froma network through power wires connected to a power input, the powerinput coupled to a power outlet device fastened to a power outlet moduleon a wall, the power outlet device receiving the data via a datatransceiver on the power outlet device; and communicating data back tothe network.
 73. The method of claim 72 wherein the network includesother power outlet devices.
 74. The method of claim 72 wherein thenetwork is Internet.
 75. The method of claim 72 further comprisingcommunicating data between the power outlet device and the network via awireless transfer protocol using a wireless transceiver base.
 76. Themethod of claim 75 further comprising communicating data between aserver and the power outlet device using the wireless transceiver base.77. The method of claim 76 further comprising communicating data betweenthe server and the power outlet device using a gateway connected to theserver and the wireless transceiver base.
 78. The method of claim 75wherein the wireless data transfer protocol is IEEE 802.11b wirelesscommunication standard.
 79. The method of claim 75 wherein the wirelessdata transfer protocol is Bluetooth™.
 80. The method of claim 72 furthercomprising identifying the power outlet device by having an identifieron the power outlet device.
 81. The method of claim 72 furthercomprising displaying information on a display integral to the poweroutlet device.
 82. The method of claim 81 further comprising inputtinginformation via a user interface on the display of the power outletdevice.
 83. The method of claim 75 further comprising: capturing digitalimages via a charge-coupled device and lens integral to the power outletdevice; and receiving and transmitting digital images using a logic andthe wireless transfer protocol.
 84. The method of claim 72 furthercomprising docking a portable electronic device in a receptacle on thepower outlet device.
 85. The method of claim 84 wherein the portableelectronic device is a personal digital assistant.